The Reds host the Dodgers on July 28, 2025, in a crucial series. With stars Elly De La Cruz and Shohei Ohtani facing off, will Cincy prove they're buyers?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Welcome to the most important week of the Cincinnati Reds' season. Tonight, a heavyweight bout against the Los Angeles Dodgers kicks off a homestand that will not only test the team's four-game winning streak but will also serve as the final audition before the front office makes its season-altering decisions at Thursday's trade deadline. The energy at Great American Ball Park is electric, and the stakes couldn't be higher.
The series pits two of the game's most dynamic stars against each other: Elly De La Cruz (.282 AVG, 18 HR, 67 RBI) and Shohei Ohtani (.275 AVG, 38 HR, 71 RBI).
The Reds (56-50) are riding high, carrying a five-game home winning streak into this crucial series opener against the formidable Dodgers (61-45). The pregame buzz, amplified across social media, is centered on the star power. It's more than just a game; it's a measuring stick. While the final score wasn't available as of this writing, the pitching matchup set the stage for a dramatic duel: Cincinnati's Corbin Burnes (0-2, 6.65 ERA) looking for a turnaround performance against LA's ace, Yoshinobu Yamamoto (8-7, 2.55 ERA). A win tonight would send a powerful message to the rest of the league and, perhaps more importantly, to their own front office.
While the action unfolds on the field, the real drama is happening behind the scenes. With the July 31 trade deadline just days away, reports indicate the Reds' front office is working the phones aggressively. The shopping list is clear: reliable bullpen arms to shore up the late innings and a potent right-handed bat to add depth to the lineup. Currently sitting 6.5 games back in the NL Central, the front office knows this team is a piece or two away from being a serious contender. The performance against the Dodgers could be the final factor in determining whether they push all their chips in.
Even as the club looks for external help, the future continues to brew in the minors. As the July 28 draft signing deadline approaches, the farm system is showing its strength. Recent standouts include Sal Stewart, who just launched his third Triple-A homer, and the speedy Héctor Rodríguez, who legged out a triple for Louisville. Earlier in the week, No. 7 prospect Tyson Lewis also went deep for Dayton. These performances are a comforting reminder that the Reds' competitive window isn't just about this season; it's built to last.
This is it, Reds Country. The next 72 hours will define the 2025 season. The series against the Dodgers will test their mettle, while the decisions made by the front office by Thursday's deadline will determine their ceiling. Fasten your seatbelts; it's going to be a wild ride to the finish.
